DAYO OYEWO writes on the task before the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, as he is set to begin his second term on May 29.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu was re‑elected on Monday after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared him the winner of the governorship election. He polled 762,134 votes, defeating Labour Party candidate Gbadebo Rhodes‑Vivour, who received 312,329 votes, and Peoples Democratic Party’s Abdul‑Azeez Adediran (aka Jandor), who garnered 62,449 votes.
Prior to the governorship and House of Assembly elections, the APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu lost in Lagos to his Labour Party counterpart Peter Obi, who obtained 575,735 votes to Tinubu’s 573,001. This upset unsettled the Lagos political landscape and motivated Labour Party candidates to pursue a winning streak in the state elections. Consequently, the major governorship frontrunners intensified their canvassing efforts, prompting an extension of the polling period by a week. Sanwo‑Olu ultimately prevailed, winning re‑election three weeks after his former principal was defeated in the state. Although anxiety lingered in some areas, he emerged victorious despite divisive ethnic politics that concerned advocates of a united Nigeria.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Sanwo‑Olu condemned ethnic profiling and pledged not to pursue a divisive agenda. He said: “During the campaign we sadly saw a lot of divisive rhetoric. Some tried to make these elections about ethnicity and religion, when they should have been about capacity, competence, and experience. We witnessed hateful ethnic profiling by fellow citizens—totally out of place for us Lagosians, the proud residents of West Africa’s pre‑eminent melting pot. I salute the multitudes of Lagosians who refused to succumb to those who seek to divide us with unguarded, inciting comments.” He also condemned reports of skirmishes in several local government areas, urging law‑enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible. “Now that the elections are over, we must reaffirm the spirit of solidarity and togetherness that binds us as Lagosians,” he added.
Following the speech, various leaders called on the governor to reunite the state. Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Alfred Martins urged the government to restore peace and normalcy, stating that ethnic and discriminatory comments circulating on social media do not reflect the true nature of Lagosians, who are peace‑loving, accommodating, and cosmopolitan. He appealed for an end to hate speech, fake news, and rancour, emphasizing that Lagosians have lived together as one people for decades.
Public analyst David Adewale also addressed the issue of ethnic profiling, urging the governor to promote inter‑ethnic relationships and invest in education against bigotry. He recommended enforcing anti‑discrimination laws, encouraging cultural dialogue, and making random visits to public places a regular practice rather than a campaign tactic, to foster an image of an accessible governor.
Healthcare professionals voiced their expectations as well. Ismail Ajibowo, General Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, called for more effort to retain medical staff in state hospitals. He highlighted ongoing construction projects and stressed that infrastructure must be matched by adequate staffing, better welfare policies, and measures to curb brain drain. He noted ongoing discussions with unions to address these challenges.
Resident Oladele Bello urged the governor to curb the excesses of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit. While praising the state’s infrastructure and relative security, he highlighted the burden of taxes and levies on Lagosians, and called for action against LASTMA’s unprofessional conduct and extortion, recommending routine sensitisation for officials.
Recent protests have underscored these concerns. Hundreds of commuters were stranded when commercial bus drivers staged a protest against levies imposed by the Lagos State Park and Gardens Management Committee, claiming the fees eroded their daily income. Drivers under the Joint Drivers Welfare Association also began a one‑week strike for similar reasons.
Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotosho affirmed the governor’s commitment to unity and project completion in his second term. Sanwo‑Olu reiterated that divisive rhetoric does not represent Lagosians, emphasizing compassion and a refusal to promote ethnicity or religion. He promised to finish projects started in his first term and to address complaints against LASTMA, noting that some officials have already been suspended or dismissed. The administration, he said, will reform these agencies to make them more courteous and effective.
When currency scarcity hit, the Lagos State government reduced BRT bus fares by 50 percent, demonstrating its consideration and compassion. The governor also pledged to review and, where appropriate, curb unnecessary taxes and levies, assuring Lagosians that legitimate complaints will be investigated and resolved.
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